Civil Defence payments made available for severe weather support

The government has announced civil defence payments are now available for people affected by severe weather in Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti.

Social Development Minister Louise Upston said the support was available from today for those based in Wairoa, Te Karaka, or Haumoana affected by severe weather.

The funding could help with food, bedding and clothing, she said, and those wanting to apply for funding should talk to someone from their local welfare team at a civil defence centre, or phone the Ministry of Social Development’s general enquiries team on 0800 559 009.

“You don’t have to be on a benefit to qualify for a Civil Defence payment, and non-residents in these areas may be eligible,” she said.

“The local welfare team will be helping people displaced by the weather over the long weekend and will connect them to MSD staff as required.”

Civil Defence payments can be made available by the government during emergency events like flooding or earthquakes.